Introduction to Outdoor Learning, Bush School and Nature Play 2026

A full day hands-on NESA accredited PD course designed for educators interested in establishing, enhancing or further developing Outdoor Learning and Bush School programs. Suitable for educators taking students outside, in early childhood, family daycare and primary schools. You will gain a practical understanding of nature pedagogy, the role of the educator, site and risk assessment, outdoor games and how nature connection contributes to wellbeing.
 

Delivered by Centennial Parklands Education Staff in our outdoor classroom, this program will be held mostly outside. Participants will experience a range of hands on activities and reflective practice to inspire and engage learners to get children outside and into nature. 

Completing Introduction to Outdoor Learning, Bush School and Nature Play will contribute 5 hours of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Accredited PD in the priority area of Delivery and assessment of NSW Curriculum/Early Years Learning Framework addressing standard descriptor 2.1.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.

Learning Overview:

• Nature Pedagogy

• The benefits of outdoor learning/nature play for early childhood and primary school students

• The role of the educator in outdoor learning

• How to establish an outdoor classroom to deliver the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) /Syllabus content

• Managing students in outdoor classrooms

• Skills for site  assessments that enable educators to set up enriching outdoor learning spaces e.g. in the playground, centre or off site in parklands/bushland. 

• Activities for outdoor learning that can be linked to the EYLF/Syllabus content

• Outdoor learning to develop wellbeing and resilience.
  

Dates: Saturday 23 May & 7 November 2026
Time: 9:30am - 4:00pm
Location: WILD PLAY Discovery Centre, Centennial Park


We are taking our Professional Development Courses on the Road:

Our Greater Sydney Parklands educators are bringing our professional development courses to your school, early childhood centre or local green space. We are seeking expressions of interest to deliver either our full-day 5 hour NESA accredited Introduction to Outdoor Learning, Bush School and Nature Play program, or 2 or 3 hour professional development courses.

Contact us for more information and to discuss your needs -  education@gsp.nsw.gov.au
 

Enquiries: education@gsp.nsw.gov.au or by phone on 02 9339 6645

Things to know before you attend 

Please come prepared, as this program takes place outdoors and will go ahead in all-weather, unless it is unsafe to do so (for example, during high winds or thunderstorms). Participants must wear enclosed shoes.  

We reserve the right to cancel the event in case of dangerous weather or if minimum participation numbers are not met. In these circumstances a refund will be offered. Please refer to our full terms and conditions for more information. 

What to bring to the event 

Ensure you come prepared for this session by: 

• Bringing a notebook and pen

• Bringing a refillable drink bottle  

• Bringing a lunch, including morning and afternoon tea 

• Dressing for the weather with sun protection (hat, sunscreen, cool clothing), wet weather gear (raincoat, shoes and change of clothes), and warm layers 

• Wearing enclosed footwear 

• Bringing any medication you require throughout the day or other important items such as EpiPen if requried

Your responsibilities if you feel unwell 

I understand that it is my responsibility to ensure that all attendees associated with this booking do not attend if: 

• We/I show any COVID-19, infectious disease or virus symptoms or feel unwell 

• We/I have had a fever, diarrhoea or vomiting within 12 hours or at the time of the program 

• We/I have been asked to self-isolate 

• We/I have had a positive COVID-19 test result and continue to have symptoms. 

If any of the above apply to you or any attendee associated with this booking, we request that you do not attend this program. In this instance, please contact us via email on education@gsp.nsw.gov.au to arrange for a refund of your ticket.